Meta

Posts Tagged ‘Lavender’

In July 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration warned of increased risk of heart attacks and strokes associated with the use of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. Earlier this month, a different class of pain relievers, collectively known as opioids, was also linked to higher rates of early death primarily due to cardiovascular complications. As disturbing as this is, there is still a large segment of the population that will continue to use these medications in the short term and, sometimes, chronically.

According to a recent review in the journal The Lancet, disturbed sleep and insomnia affect upwards of 25% of the adult population. Not only does this impact quality of life, but it also predisposes those with sleep disorders to a much higher risk of numerous diseases including depression, diabetes and heart failure. In addition, insomnia contributes to “substantial economic and societal burden through poor productivity, absence from work, and high health-care costs”. The problem is increasingly evident. However, the solution is much more nebulous if you judge by the difficulty that many people find when searching for an effective and safe solution.

The key to feeling more energetic and peaceful may be right in front of your face. Before you go crazy trying to figure it out – take a deep breath. Part of the solution is just breathing deeply. Now combine that action with essential oils derived from flowers and fruit rinds and you have a powerful natural remedy known as aromatherapy. My Healthy Monday tip of the week is to inhale your way to a better state of mind. Read more »

Feelings and memories are often tied to particular scents. There’s a well established connection between what our nose detects and the stimulation it causes within our brains. The smell of a floral perfume may remind you of your wife. The aroma of a pumpkin pie baking in the oven could evoke memories of the holidays. The pathway from your nose to your brain is a route that can be used to help promote better states of mind and body. Read more »